Spend time in nature. Connect with God. Renew your spirit. Refresh your mind. Saturdays and Sundays throughout the summer. Sign up here.

Outdoor retreats that will last about an hour. Every activity will include a reading from a sacred tradition to center us, a contemplative practice using the natural surroundings as our primary source, and silence. Re-Creation is open to people of all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please, no pets (except on August 3).

Note: All activities will proceed unless weather conditions are dangerous (lightning, flooding, high winds). If you sign up we will contact you 48 hours before the event with the organizer’s contact phone number so you can get updates the day of the event.

Other important details: This activity is appropriate for novice kayakers but it is not a lesson. Bring your own kayak (life jackets required) or rent a kayak. Single kayaks are $20/hour and tandems are $25/hour for $20/hour. You must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license to rent. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Sunday, June 16, 8:30 AM – Hiking at Deer Grove East

We’ll enjoy a 2.7 mile unpaved trail in the Deer Grove East forest preserve that was the first one acquired by the Cook County Forest Preserve.

Meet at the parking lot for Deer Grove East off of Dundee.

Saturday, June 22, 9:00 PM – Stargazing at the Karl G Henize Observatory at Harper College

Other Important Details: The telescope is free and open to the public. To access the main telescope you must climb a 7-foot ladder. Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes. You may be standing in lines and climbing a ladder. Dress for the weather. The observatory is not heated and it can get chilly at night. If it’s cloudy or raining the observatory may be closed but we’ll still meet. Sign up below to receive up to date information.

Saturday, July 6, 9:15 AM Hiking on the Des Plaines River Trail

A hidden gem in the suburbs, the Des Plaines River Trail travels along the Des Plaines River. We'll enjoy the sights of the river, and watch for birds and other wildlife.

Meet: at the parking lot at the entrance on W Lake Ave/E Euclid Ave, east of N Des Plaines River Road.

Other Important details: This activity is appropriate for novice kayakers but it is not a lesson. Bring your own kayak (life jackets required) or rent a kayak. Single kayaks are $20/hour and tandems are $25/hour for $20/hour. You must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license to rent. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday, July 20 – Sunrise

Details to be announced.

Saturday, August 3, 9:00 AM - Montrose Dog Beach

Just about 45 minutes from Arlington Heights is a piece of heaven for your dog. We’ll learn from our pooches how to be playful.

Meet: at the entrance to the dog beach. Look for the dogs with FUMCAH bandanas.